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As a parent, do you have the basic computer skills to maintain contact with your college student? Does your technology support your efforts, and do you have the most cost efficient systems in place?

The following are some points that you should be thinking about before the move-in date:

– Will you need to upgrade either your equipment or services?

– How do you determine your child’s equipment needs while in college?

– Does the cell phone provider that you use at home (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have a strong network at your child’s school?

– What can you do to keep your communication costs down?

– What are the most cost efficient ways to stay in communication with your child in college?

– How do you keep in contact with your child who is studying abroad without incurring large telephone charges?

– Has your child’s school granted you online access to key school resources?

– Does your child know how to reach you 24/7?

The chances are that your child may be more up-to-date on the latest technology than you. It is important that you discuss a strategy to communicate in a cost efficient manner. If your child is studying thousands of miles away, or perhaps in any country, you do not want to incur telephone charges that approach the cost of tuition!

Most universities no longer provide phones in their dorms. The use of cell phones and other mobile technology tools has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain our relationships with our children in college. Are you prepared?

Below is a link to my recent radio program where I discussed this and many items that you need to know before loading the car and heading to campus.

If you have any further questions, I can be reached by phone at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.

As a parent, do you have the basic computer skills to maintain contact with your college student? Does your technology support your efforts, and do you have the most cost efficient systems in place?

The following are some points that you should be thinking about before the move-in date:

– Will you need to upgrade either your equipment or services?

– How do you determine your child’s equipment needs while in college?

– Does the cell phone provider that you use at home (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have a strong network at your child’s school?

– What can you do to keep your communication costs down?

– What are the most cost efficient ways to stay in communication with your child in college?

– How do you keep in contact with your child who is studying abroad without incurring large telephone charges?

– Has your child’s school granted you online access to key school resources?

– Does your child know how to reach you 24/7?

The chances are that your child may be more up-to-date on the latest technology than you. It is important that you discuss a strategy to communicate in a cost efficient manner. If your child is studying thousands of miles away, or perhaps in any country, you do not want to incur telephone charges that approach the cost of tuition!

Most universities no longer provide phones in their dorms. The use of cell phones and other mobile technology tools has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain our relationships with our children in college. Are you prepared?

There are plenty of reasons for buying a new computer, especially if your current one is older, slow and in constant need of maintenance.

However, if your only reason is to get the “latest and greatest,” you might want to consider waiting. In his column in the Wall Street Journal this week, http://on.wsj.com/IBxfzr, Walter Mossberg presents his argument for waiting, unless it is absolutely necessary to replace your existing equipment.

Both Microsoft and Apple will be introducing new operating systems within the next few months, and while there might be some excellent deals available now, the preliminary news on the changes indicate that it might be worth waiting.

So, if your incentive to buy is because your existing computer has slowed down, your equipment might just need a maintenance checkup.

If you need advice on whether you should be scheduling a checkup, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

You’ve just purchased a brand new iPad. Congratulations!! If you bought the model with the 4G data service from either Verizon or AT&T, here are some things you need to know about using your iPad when traveling out of the United States.

1. The data service should be turned off before you leave. That means you must switch to Airplane mode. When overseas, you are roaming which means the cost of using the a US based data plan is very high.

2. If you want to access the Internet while traveling, use a wireless (wi-fi) connection which is usually FREE. Most hotels offer wi-fi, and while most places offer it for free, you might run into a situation where there might be either a daily or hourly rate.

3. Most Internet cafes abroad offer Internet access by the hour.

4. If you are unable to locate a place with wi-fi and need to use a data service, you can purchase a micro sim card to insert into your iPad. These local data providers offer plans that are significantly cheaper than activating an International program from either Verizon or AT&T here in the United States.

5. Most public wi-fi “hotspots,” whether hotels, airports, Internet cafes, etc. are not secured, meaning that anyone in the network can see what you are doing on your computer. In other words, do not use a public unsecured “hot spot” to access bank accounts, use credit cards or any other private information. If you are staying at someone’s house who has wifi, ask whether their network is secured and for a password to access their network. If no password is required, it is not a secured network.

6. If you want to stream a video from Netflix, or use an online service such as Skype, make sure you are doing so from a w-fi connection. Using your data service, whether from the U.S. or a local provider overseas, will use up your allowable data plan quickly. For example, watch 2 Netflix movies with the 4G service will use up to 90% of your monthly allowance.

7. Lock your iPad with a password. If you are doing a great deal of traveling, it is not difficult to leave it somewhere or have it stolen.

If you have any questions about the iPad or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

The stylus is back!! Remember the Palm Pilot, the first hand held device totally reliant on a thin stylus that slipped into a sleeve on the side of the unit? Well, a newer, slightly thicker version has emerged. With the popularly of the iPhone and the various tablets on the market, the new stylus has helped many of us who have had difficulty with the touch screens. In addition, the new stylus, with a felt tip, permits people who would like to use one of the apps like noteability for handwriting and drawing directly onto the tablet.

For those of us with chubby fingers or difficulty with on screen keyboards relief is finally here. I also find that writing notes on my iPad a plus. As for the iPhone, using the stylus for typing has substantially reduced the amount of time it takes me to write an e-mail.

As indicated in past blogs, not all gadgets are meant for everyone. While many people are comfortable with on screen keyboards, the stylus is a useful tool.

If you have any questions about the stylus, iPhones, iPads, etc., do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

The big news in the tech world this past week has been the launch of the “New” iPad. This third generation iPad has received a great deal of press both before and after the launch.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether or not a tablet is for you. The iPad is still the number one ranked and best selling tablet. If you already own one, then you must evaluate the merits of upgrading to the “latest and greatest.” For those of you who have never owned one, the major issue is to determine whether a tablet will address your technology needs, whether for personal or professional purposes.

As indicated in previous posts, the tablet has proven to be an ideal substitute to the much heavier laptop computer for the road warrior. Tablets are excellent for communication (email, messaging, skype, etc) and getting information (news, weather, restaurants, movies, games, etc). For those of you that do a lot of writing, there are many keyboards on the market that make typing much easier than the touch pad. However, despite publicity to the contrary, it does not replace a computer since there are many functions that require a computer.

During the past few months, I have introduced the iPad to several clients who have never used a computer. Tablets have proven to be the ideal solution to techno-phobics who had previously been reluctant to embrace technology. The larger screen and easy access to “apps” has changed their world.

If you have been considering your first tablet purchase, take some time to sit down and write down your technology needs. There are many options to choose from, the iPad, Nook, Kindle, etc.

As for those of you considering an upgrade, the new iPad offers a faster processor, high resolution screen, 4G wireless service, and a far better camera than the earlier models.

However, like many new products, there are several issues that have surfaced that must be considered before you decide to upgrade.

The iPad offers two ways of accessing the Internet. The popular choice is the faster wireless 4G network, at this time provided by both Verizon and AT&T. The monthly charge for this service is based on the amount of data used. The other, and free method, is any wi-fi network, such as set up in your home, hotels, some airports and coffee shops (Starbucks). Try steaming movies through the 4G wireless network and you will find that your data costs will skyrocket. An article in today’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/GBIDcO, offers a full explanation of what to expect if you use the 4G wireless network and the costs associated with it.

Other reports indicate the new iPad might have a overheating issue, which Apple is looking into.

If you need help determining whether the new iPad is for you as a new purchase or whether you should consider the upgrade, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

On the front page of Friday’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/wlmlws, AT&T announced their latest attempt to control their costs for providing broadband services. They are planning to reduce the speed of your data service on your mobile device once you have surpassed your monthly purchased data limit.

With the growing popularity of mobile devices (smartphones such as the iPhone and the Android) as well as the iPad, the appetite for broadband services has surged. Last year, over 50% of all cell phone purchases were smartphones, whether new users or upgrades.

Most consumers don’t understand their data plans. Cell providers (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) offer “tiered data plans” based on data usage. What this means is that it is important to know your data usage and determine which plan is right for you. This information is available by simply contacting your provider. Streaming video from sites like Netflix will use up a lot of your data allotment.

The problem with this program is that, as their customer, you are being penalized for their inability to keep up with the demand for broadband services. Why not make sure their customers understand their data plans and make sure that they are subscribing to a program based on their usage? This is done for your calling plans without the risk of diminishing service once you have surpassed your purchased minutes.

Let’s hope that their competitors don’t follow this strategy. I called my provider, found out my average monthly usage and purchased a plan that was right for me. I suggest you do the same.

If you need help understanding your data plan, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

This century will clearly be remembered as The Age of Technology. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with friends, family and business associates instantaneously, regardless of location. Information is no more than a key stroke away, whether from your computer or mobile device. Skills acquired in the past century alone put you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.

How are your basic computer skills? Whether you use technology for strictly personal use or for professional purposes, you will need the right tools to take advantage of the many changes that have occurred in the worlds of communication and information gathering.

The following are some basic questions you should be asking yourself.

– Whether you use your home based computer for personal or professional purposes, are you comfortable with the software applications you are using?

– Are you able to write, format and properly file documents?

– How about sending and receiving attachments?

– Do you know what updates are important?

– Do you have an active anti-virus program?

– Do you have a backup program?

– Is your wireless network secure?

– Do you have the right cell phone provider for your location?

– Have you upgraded to a smartphone? (iPhone, Android, or blackberry)

– Are you using any cloud based services?

We are living in a mobile world. Within the next 2-3 years, over 50% of Internet access will be done through a mobile device. Are you ready?

If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal http://on.wsj.com/Aqb8dW envisions “The Coming Tech-led Boom.” If the past century produced the Industrial Revolution, this century clearly will be the age of Technology.

Why? Information is no more than a click away and virtually free. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with someone anywhere in the world instantaneously. Technology has already impacted manufacturing through the introduction of automated systems.

The job market has changed radically. Companies are looking to hire innovators who are able to utilize their knowledge of technology to develop new products and services which will increase productivity. Without basic computer skills, people in career transition, either because of corporate downsizing, looking to start their own business, or re-entering the job market, will find it extremely difficult to be competitive. Skills acquired in the past century alone puts you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.

Does your technology support your efforts, either on a personal or professional level? How good are your basic computer skills? Do you know how to determine what you need to be an effective Road Warrior?

If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

For those of you who are not interested in a fancy smartphone, but a simple cell phone for telephone use only, check out the jitterbug phone at http://www.jitterbugdirect.com/.

Well over 90% of Americans own a cell phone. While the Jitterbug is advertised as the “Cellphone for Seniors,” its attractiveness is to any age group that is looking for a phone that is easy to see, hear, and simple to use.

In this mobile world, being able to reach out to someone in an emergency, regardless of age, makes having a cell phone a necessity. If you or someone else in your family has resisted having a cell phone because of the complexity of the most popular models on the market, consider the advantages of investing in a Jitterbug.

1. No contract required.

2. Larger screen, easy to see, even in the daylight.

3. Larger keyboard, making dialing easy.

4. Live, 24-hour support operators.

5. Affordable pricing starting at $14.99 per month.

If you or someone you know needs assistance selecting a cell phone, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.